Boksic can't wait for his finals bow (Allsport).

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At the age of 32, Croatia striker Alen Boksic is finally getting to play in a major tournament and he can't wait for the kick-off.

Long plagued by injury, Boksic missed Croatia's bronze medal- winning performance at the last World Cup in France and also the 1996 European Championships.

But finally he is poised to make an impact on the biggest stage of all.

"It's my first big competition. I'm very happy and I'm very excited," said the pacy Middlesborough opportunist during a break in training here today.

"I don't feel any pressure. I'm here just to play football, to enjoy myself and to get a good result."

Boksic and Davour Suker will be one of the most experienced strike pairings operating in the tournament.

Boksic, who has overcome a recent stomach strain, is full of admiration for the former West Ham hitman.

"For us Suker's the most important player because he has great capabilities and technically, he's fantastic," he said.

Croatia open their campaign against Mexico in Niigata on Monday and everyone acknowledges it is a tricky first hurdle.

"For us the most dangerous match is against Mexico," said Boksic. "It's the first match so it's the most important because if we win, we have a fantastic opportunity to go to the second round."

Dario Simic is struggling to make the Mexico game because of a calf injury and coach Mirko Jozic is giving him until Friday to prove his fitness.